Upper Arm day-use development and site enhancement decision notice / finding of no significant impact

Upper Arm day-use development and site enhancement decision notice / finding of no significant impact

Author:

Detroit Ranger District (Or.)

Abstract:

Announces decision to implement Alternative 4 eliminating the built-in mooring docks and the conceptual design changes in Alternative 5, converting and reconstructing the Upper Arm Recreation Site to a formal day-use site with picnic, swimming, fishing, hiking and interpretative facilities, while eliminating the five existing campsites. Improvements include picnic tables, a fishing platform, toilets, an interior trail system, and an information kiosk.

Proposes to promote a change in species composition and structure, decommission and close roads, adjust old growth boundaries, capture the economic value of trees, develop wildlife habitats, reduce fire fuels, and implement the Highway 26 and 7 Viewshed Corridor Plans. Includes commercial timber harvest, prescribed burning, adjustments to dedicated old growth areas, and road closure and decommissioning activities within the project area.

EA proposes vegetation and fuels management on about 10,000 acres to improve the health and vigor of the upland forest, and reduce the potential for future fires of uncharacteristic effects in upland forests. Includes commercial thinning of about 2400 acres, treatment of 40 acres of dead and downed woody material resulting from the 2000/2001 tussock moth outbreak, precommercial thinning of about 700 acres, treatment of surface fuels on about 10,000 acres, and reconstruction and maintenance of existing roads and construction of about 4 miles of temporary roads. Decision notice announces implementation of Alternative 4 with minor modifications, reducing big game vulnerability by not treating the existing satisfactory wildlife cover.